Chocolate Cake with Strawberry Filling

Chocolate Cake with Strawberry Filling is a delightful dessert that combines the richness of chocolate cake with the freshness of strawberries. This cake is perfect for any celebration or just as a sweet treat to enjoy with family and friends.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup boiling water
• 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Add the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients, mixing until well combined.
4. Gradually add the boiling water, stirring until the batter is smooth.
5. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Allow the cakes to cool completely in the pans before transferring them to a wire rack.
7. Once cooled, place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a layer of sliced fresh strawberries on top.
8. Add the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake with whipped cream or frosting of your choice.
9. Garnish with more sliced strawberries on top for an added fresh touch.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Servings: 8

Variations

• Frosting Alternatives: While whipped cream is a classic topping, you can use chocolate frosting, cream cheese frosting, or buttercream for a richer flavor.
• Strawberry Jam: If fresh strawberries are out of season, you can substitute with strawberry jam for the filling.
• Add-Ins: For added texture, you can mix chocolate chips or chopped nuts into the batter before baking.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need to store it longer, refrigerate the cake for up to 1 week.
• Reheating: If you prefer the cake warm, microwave individual slices for 10-15 seconds or heat in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use non-dairy milk in this recipe? Yes, almond milk or oat milk can be used as a substitute for regular milk in this recipe.
2. How can I make the cake more moist? Ensure you do not overbake the cake, and consider adding a tablespoon of sour cream or yogurt to the batter for extra moisture.
3. Can I freeze the cake? Yes, you can freeze the cake layers for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap before freezing.
4. What should I do if I don’t have two 9-inch round cake pans? You can bake the cake in one pan and slice it into two layers once it cools, or use any other round pan size you have.
5. Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh? Fresh strawberries work best for the filling, but you can use frozen strawberries if fresh ones are unavailable. Just make sure to drain any excess liquid before using them.
6. Can I use cake mix instead of making the cake from scratch? Yes, you can substitute the homemade cake batter with a chocolate cake mix for a quicker version of this recipe.
7. How do I prevent the cake layers from sticking to the pan? Be sure to grease the pans thoroughly and dust them with a bit of flour, or line the bottoms with parchment paper.
8. How long should I let the cake cool before frosting it? Allow the cakes to cool completely before frosting to avoid melting the frosting.
9. Can I add a different fruit in the filling? Yes, you can substitute strawberries with other berries like raspberries, blueberries, or even sliced peaches for a different flavor.
10. Can I make this cake ahead of time? Yes, the cake can be baked a day in advance and stored in the fridge until you’re ready to serve. Just add the whipped cream and strawberries right before serving.

Conclusion

Chocolate Cake with Strawberry Filling is a versatile and indulgent dessert that pairs the deep flavor of chocolate with the freshness of strawberries. This recipe is easy to make and is guaranteed to impress any guest with its beautiful presentation and delicious taste. Whether it’s for a birthday, holiday, or just a treat, this cake will be a hit every time.

Print